Blue bin

Aluminium is infinitely recyclable! Please ensure cans are empty for safety reasons, and put in your blue bin.

Household recycling centre

Dispose of aerosol cans that still contain chemicals at the household recycling centres near Milton and Thriplow.

Specialist disposal

Air freshener cartridges can’t be recycled in your blue bin, but you can recycle them with TerraCycle.

Save up your used cartridges and take them to a collection point.

• Find out more about the TerraCycle Air, Home and Laundry Care Recycling Programme.

Black bin

Air freshener cartridges can’t be recycled in your blue bin. If you can’t drop them off at a collection point, put them in your black bin.

Blue bin

Empty aluminium tubes can be recycled in your blue bin. You can also buy a small metal device to help you squeeze every bit of the contents out!

Reuse

If in good condition, donate to a charity shop or pass on via networks such as Freegle or Gumtree.

Household recycling centre

Take the armchair to one of the household recycling centres near Milton and Thriplow.

We also collect bulky goods for a fee – arrange a bulky waste collection.

Specialist disposal

Asbestos can be a dangerous material which, while being removed and disposed of, must be handled carefully and competently. A specialist licensed contractor should be used to ensure it is removed and disposed of in a controlled and safe manner.

Visit the Health and Safety Executive website for the latest advice on asbestos.

Cambridgeshire County Council offers residents a disposal service for small quantities of cement-bonded asbestos that will fit into a bag 2.59m (8′6″) × 1.37m (4′6″) in size within a 12-month period.

Black bin

Allow the ash to completely cool before putting it in a bag in your black bin.

It must be bagged or it can blow out when the bin is emptied, which can be a hazard for our bin collectors.

Coal ash is not suitable for composting or use on your garden.

Reuse

You can use wood ash in your garden by adding it to the soil around alkali-loving plants such as clematis.

Green bin

Allow the ash to completely cool before putting it in a paper bag in your green bin.

It must be bagged or it can blow out when the bin is emptied, which can be a hazard for our bin collectors.

Specialist disposal

Baby food pouches can’t be recycled in your blue bin, but they can now be recycled by TerraCycle and turned into products like fleeces, or springy surfaces for playgrounds. For every pouch collected, TerraCycle will donate to charity.

Rinse and store your empty pouches somewhere convenient until you’ve collected a few. Then take them to your nearest collection point and they will be sent off to TerraCycle. Find your nearest collection point.

Blue bin

Please place bamboo or wooden BBQ skewers into your green bin.

Reuse

If in good condition, sell or pass on via networks such as Freegle or Gumtree.

Household recycling centre

Take the ceramics to one of the household recycling centres near Milton and Thriplow.

We also collect bulky goods for a fee – arrange a bulky waste collection.

Reuse

If in good condition, donate to a charity shop or pass on via networks such as Freegle or Gumtree.

Household recycling centre

Take to a household recycling centre – there’s one near Milton and one near Thriplow.

We also collect and dispose of bulky goods for a fee. We are currently unable to recycle mattresses through this service.

Reuse

If in good condition, donate to a charity shop or pass on via networks such as Freegle or Gumtree.

Household recycling centre

Take the bike to one of the household recycling centres near Milton and Thriplow.

We also collect bulky goods for a fee – arrange a bulky waste collection.

Blue bin

Plastic wrappers that do not have a shiny foil-like layer on the inside or outside can be included in your blue bin.

Black bin

Biscuit, cracker and cake wrappers with a shiny foil-like layer on the inside or outside can’t be put in your blue bin, so if you can’t take them to a collection point put them in your black bin.

Black bin

Please do not put black bags in your other bins. Even if a black sack contains recycling your blue bin may not be emptied if it contains one since we cannot see what is inside. Please put recycling into your blue bin loose.

Empty black sacks - Unfortunately sorting equipment at the Materials Recycling Facility where items from blue bins are sent cannot detect the colour black and therefore black items can not be recycled. This is an issue across the UK and work is being done to find a solution. See more information about black plastic recyclability issues.

Reuse

If in good condition, donate to a charity shop or pass on via networks such as Freegle or Gumtree.

Local recycling points

Blankets can be put in textile banks at various recycling points.

Black bin

These are made of plastic and foil firmly glued together, so are not easy to recycle.

Reuse

If in good condition, donate to a charity shop or pass on via networks such as Freegle or Gumtree.

Household recycling centre

Take to a household recycling centre – there’s one near Milton and one near Thriplow. Even damaged or out of date books can be recycled if they are not suitable for resale.

Blue bin

You can recycle any books that are not suitable for re-use, such as old textbooks.

You can put paperback books straight into your blue bin.

Hardback book covers contain plastics and glues that can cause problems in the recycling process. Remove the cover and put that into your black bin, then the rest of the book can go into your blue bin.

Blue bin

After rinsing and (where applicable) squashing your bottles and jars, please replace the lids on them before putting in the blue bin. This helps the small lids to find their way through the various conveyors etc. in the sorting process, and they can be separated from the containers later on.

Specialist recycling

Bravissimo and Against Breast Cancer provide bra-recycling collection points, both of which raise money for breast-cancer charities. Please donate only clean bras.

Donated bras will be refurbished and re-sold in more than 70 countries where bras are expensive and scarce. Any that are not suitable will be broken down and recycled.

Local recycling points

You can also pass on clean bras in any clothing or textile recycling bank.

• Find a recycling point

Reuse

If you have surplus bread, try to freeze before it goes stale or mouldy.

You can use stale bread in many recipes – visit Love Food Hate Waste for inspiration.

Green bin

All cooked and uncooked food waste can go in the green bin.

You can put things straight into the green bin. You can wrap food waste in newspaper or put it in a paper bag. Please do not use biodegradable 'plastic' or corn starch bags. These do not break down quickly enough and result in extra processing costs. Your bin could also be refused collection. More information on how the compost is made can be found on RECAP’s website.

Reuse

If in good condition, donate to a charity shop or pass on via networks such as Freegle or Gumtree.

Reuse

Useable bricks can be offered on networks such as Freegle or Gumtree.

Household recycling centre

Take the bricks to one of the household recycling centres near Milton and Thriplow.

Blue bin

Large pieces of broken bottles and jars only can be put into your blue bin. Please put smaller shards into another jar with its lid on (or bag them and put them in your black bin) - this is to prevent them blowing out as the bin is emptied, which could be dangerous for staff.

Black bin

Any other type of broken glass such as wine glasses or tumblers, windows, mirrors, picture frames etc should be carefully bagged and put in your black bin.

Small fragments of broken bottles and jars should also be bagged and put in the black bin, unless they can be contained in another jar.

Blue bin

Materials from your blue bin are sorted and turned into new products. Please put things in the bin loose and not in bags. This helps us process it. You can find out more about processing by visiting RECAP’s website. To find out your bin collection day, visit our bin collection day page.

Reuse

If in good condition, donate to a charity shop or pass on via networks such as Freegle or Gumtree.

Household recycling centre

Take the bucket to one of the household recycling centres near Milton and Thriplow.

Reuse

Useable bricks and topsoil can be offered on networks such as Freegle or Gumtree.

Specialist disposal

If you have building work done by a company, any waste resulting from it is classed as business waste and needs to be dealt with by the company.

Household recycling centre

You can take small amounts of rubble, soil and brick waste from DIY work to one of the household recycling centres near Milton and Thriplow.

Reuse

If in good condition, donate to a charity shop (check large items are accepted - some will collect them from you) or pass on via networks such as Freegle or Gumtree.

Household recycling centre

Take the bulky waste to one of the household recycling centres near Milton and Thriplow.

We also collect bulky goods for a fee – arrange a bulky waste collection.

Green bin

A minority of butter wrappers are made from thin greaseproof paper. These can be added to your green bin. Please check it is paper first by trying to tear it - if it tears easily with no stretching and is not metallic it is paper.

Black bin

Most butter wrappers are made from a mixture of paper, plastic and aluminium. They are not suitable for recycling or composting.

Household recycling centre

Metal cable ties are available, which can be recycled with scrap metal after use.

Black bin

Plastic cable ties are made of nylon and too small to be recycled effectively, and must be put in the black bin. Biodegradable cable ties are available – these should also be disposed of in the black bin.

Reuse

Freeze before or on the use-by date, or check Love Food Hate Waste for ideas on using up.

Green bin

You can put things straight into the green bin. You can wrap food waste in newspaper or put it in a paper bag.

Please do not biodegradable 'plastic' or corn starch bags. These do not break down quickly enough and result in extra processing costs. Your bin could also be refused collection.

Reuse

If you do not wish to add to landfill, you can re-use your old candles

Black bin

Black bin items go through a mechanical and biological sorting process before going to landfill. Find out more on RECAP’s website. You can find out your bin collection days on our bin collection day page.

Household recycling centre

Take the car parts – including batteries but excluding tyres – to one of the household recycling centres near Milton and Thriplow.

We also collect bulky goods for a fee – arrange a bulky waste collection.

Reuse

Stacked car tyres can make useful planters for plants that need warmth; the black rubber absorbs the heat. This is not recommended for vegetables or edible plants. You can also make tyre swings, outdoor furniture etc. - search online for ideas.

Specialist disposal

Car tyres can not be accepted for recycling or disposal by the Council. If you have tyres to dispose of, contact your local garage who may be able to take them for you either for free or for a small charge.

Alternatively, search for specialist tyre disposal services online.

Household recycling centre

Never put batteries in your bins as they get damaged and cause fires.

Take the battery to one of the household recycling centres near Milton and Thriplow.

We also collect bulky goods for a fee – arrange a bulky waste collection.

Blue bin

Materials from your blue bin are sorted and turned into new products. Please put things in the bin loose and not in bags. This helps us process it. You can find out more about processing by visiting the Recap website. You can find out your bin collection days on our bin collection day page.

Green bin

Wet or very greasy cardboard or paper can be put in your green bin to be composted. If it is put in the blue bin it will break up and stick to other items, and will not be recycled.

Do not put large quantities of cardboard in your green bin. If you do not have enough space in your blue bin, find out what to do with extra recycling.

Black bin

Laminated cardboard e.g. sandwich packets contains plastic and can not be recycled with other card. If you are not sure, try tearing the card and you may be able to see the plastic layers.

Reuse

They biodegrade and can be used for growing seeds. Also suitable for home composting.

Blue bin

Materials from your blue bin are sorted and turned into new products. Please put things in the bin loose and not in bags. This helps us process it. You can find out more about processing by visiting the Recap website. You can find out your bin collection days on our bin collection day page.

Household recycling centre

Old carpets will only be recycled if you are fitting new carpets yourself. If you are having a carpet fitted professionally the company should remove the old one for you.

Blue bin

Materials from your blue bin are sorted and turned into new products. Please put things in the bin loose and not in bags. This helps us process it. You can find out more about processing by visiting RECAP’s website. You can find out your bin collection days on our bin collection day page.

Reuse

Cassettes and video tapes are generally considered obsolete, so most charity shops no longer accept them.

There is a small market online for some items such as Disney films and audio books on tape, so it might be worth offering them on websites such as eBay, Freecycle, Gumtree, or Facebook marketplace.

Black bin

Cassettes and video tapes can not be recycled, so if they have no re-use value put them with the general waste in your black bin.

Household recycling centre

If you do not have enough space in your black bin, you can take your cassettes and video tapes to the household recycling centres (‘tips’) at Milton and Thriplow.

Black bin

Please bag securely and put in black bin. Loose cat litter can be hazardous to our crews when emptying the bin.

Do not put cat litter (even if it is marked as biodegradable) in your green bin as it can be hazardous during processing.

Reduce waste

Prevent waste by notifying companies if you no longer wish to receive catalogues from them.

Blue bin

Please remove catalogues from plastic sleeves before recycling. The sleeves can be put in your blue bin separately.

Reuse

Pass on items in good condition – you could offer them to family or friends, donate them to charity shops, or offer them on websites such as eBay, Freecycle, Gumtree, or Facebook marketplace.

Black bin

Discs can not be recycled, so if they have no re-use value put them with the general waste in your black bin.

Household recycling centre

If you do not have enough space in your black bin, you can take your CDs and DVDs to the household recycling centres (‘tips’) at Milton and Thriplow.

Reuse

If in good condition, donate to a charity shop or pass on via networks such as Freegle or Gumtree.

Household recycling centre

Take it to one of the household recycling centres near Milton and Thriplow.

Black bin

Never put crockery into a glass bottle bank or your blue bin. It is very damaging in the glass recycling process.

Blue bin

All cardboard can be put in the blue bin.

Materials from your blue bin are sorted and turned into new products. Please put things in the bin loose and not in bags. This helps us process it. You can find out more about processing by visiting the Recap website. You can find out your bin collection days on our bin collection day page.

Reuse

If in good condition, donate to a charity shop or pass on via networks such as Freegle or Gumtree.

Household recycling centre

Take the chair to one of the household recycling centres near Milton and Thriplow.

We also collect bulky goods for a fee – arrange a bulky waste collection.

Household recycling centre

Take the chemicals to one of the household recycling centres near Milton and Thriplow.

Reuse

If in good condition, donate to a charity shop (check they accept furniture first - some will collect it for a donation) or pass on via networks such as Freegle or Gumtree.

Household recycling centre

Take the furniture to one of the household recycling centres near Milton and Thriplow.

We also collect bulky goods for a fee – arrange a bulky waste collection.

Black bin

Black bin items go through a mechanical and biological sorting process before going to landfill. Find out more on RECAP’s website. You can find out your bin collection days on our bin collection day page.

Specialist disposal

Arthur Rank Hospice Charity collect Christmas trees for a donation. Not all areas are covered, so check their website in December for details.

Green bin

Cut up and put pieces in the bin with the lid fully closed.

Household recycling centre

Take the tree to one of the household recycling centres near Milton and Thriplow.

Reuse

If in good condition, donate to a charity shop or pass on via networks such as Freegle or Gumtree.

Black bin

Dismantle so that the bin lid closes properly.

Black bin

Cigarette filters contain plastic and should never be discarded on the ground; you could be fined for littering.

Blue bin

Cardboard cigarette packets can be put in the blue bin for recycling, but please separate the foil inner and the plastic outer wrap first.

Blue bin

Plastic spray bottles can be recycled along with all other plastic bottles in your blue bin. Leave the spray trigger attached.

Materials from your blue bin are sorted and turned into new products. Please put things in the bin loose and not in bags. This helps us process it. You can find out more about processing by visiting RECAP’s website. You can find out your bin collection days on our bin collection day page.

Reduce waste

Consider reducing or eliminating your use of cling film by using alternatives:

• Put leftovers in the fridge in a bowl with a plate on top
• Use a lunch box for sandwiches
• Reuse plastic bags e.g. from loaves of bread for sandwiches, or you can put small bowls of food inside them in the fridge
• Buy or make reusable cloth food covers, or use shower caps!

Blue bin

Clean cling film can be recycled in your blue bin.

Materials from your blue bin are sorted and turned into new products. Please put things in the bin loose and not in bags. This helps us process it. You can find out more about processing by visiting the Recap website. You can find out your bin collection days on our bin collection day page.

Reuse

If in good condition, donate to a charity shop (check if they want them first) or pass on via networks such as Freegle or Gumtree.

Household recycling centre

Take hangers to one of the household recycling centres near Milton and Thriplow. Separate any wood, metal and plastic.

Reuse

You can try avoiding coffee filter waste by using a reusable coffee filter made of metal mesh (make sure it’s compatible with your particular coffee maker). You could also experiment with a different method of brewing coffee that doesn’t require paper, like a cafetière. 

Coffee grounds and paper filters can be turned into compost.

Green bin

Paper coffee filters and coffee grounds can be put in your green bin. 

You can put things straight into the green bin. You can wrap food waste in newspaper or put it in a paper bag. Please do not biodegradable 'plastic' or corn starch bags. These do not break down quickly enough and result in extra processing costs. Your bin could also be refused collection. More information on how the compost is made can be found on RECAP’s website. You can find out your bin collection days on our bin collection day page.

Compost at home

Add to your home compost bin, if you have one.

Green bin

You can put things straight into the green bin. You can wrap food waste in newspaper or put it in a paper bag. Please do not biodegradable 'plastic' or corn starch bags. These do not break down quickly enough and result in extra processing costs. Your bin could also be refused collection. More information on how the compost is made can be found on RECAP’s website. You can find out your bin collection days on our bin collection day page.

Reuse

It is possible to buy reusable Nespresso capsules which you can fill with your choice of coffee grounds.

Specialist recycling

Tassimo T-DISCs and outer packaging can be recycled via TerraCycle.

Black bin

Foil coffee pods or capsules for coffee machines, e.g. Tassimo or Nespresso, are not recyclable in your blue bin. This is partly due to their size - small plastic items easily drop out of the sorting equipment used.

Reuse

Foreign and old money can be given to some charity shops, including:

• Cancer Research (paper money only)
• Oxfam
• Save the Children Fund
• Sue Ryder
• East Anglia’s Children’s Hospice

Black bin

We cannot accept compostable or biodegradable ‘plastic’ products in green bins. Examples include:

• corn starch caddy liners such as those produced by BioBag
• bio-plastic cups, or compostable paper cups with a layer of bio-plastic
• bio-plastic cutlery such as those produced by Vegware or Edenware
• other compostable plastic packaging such as Two Farmers crisp packets, Riverford salad bags, and some magazine sleeves

Even if these products are EN13432-certified or display the compostable seedling logo, they do not compost quickly enough for our fast-composting process.

These items will have the opportunity to break down to some extent when placed in the black bin, since all material undergoes biological processing before being landfilled.

Please use only newspaper or 100% paper caddy liners for food waste in your green bin. You can also put food waste in your green bin loose.

Reduce waste

Try to reduce food waste. Check Love Food Hate Waste's website for more information about how to save money by wasting less food.

Green bin

All food waste, including cooked, raw, dairy, meat and bones can be put in your green bin.

You can put things straight into the green bin. You can wrap food waste in newspaper or put it in a paper bag. Please do not use biodegradable 'plastic' or corn starch bags. These do not break down quickly enough and result in extra processing costs. Your bin could also be refused collection. More information on how the compost is made can be found on RECAP’s website. You can find out your bin collection days on our bin collection day page.

Reuse

If in good condition, donate to a charity shop (check they can accept first) or pass on via networks such as Freegle or Gumtree.

Household recycling centre

Take the oven to one of the household recycling centres near Milton and Thriplow.

We also collect bulky goods for a fee – arrange a bulky waste collection.

Compost at home

If you have a home compost heap or bin you can add small amounts of used vegetable or sunflower oil to it. 

Kitchen paper with cooking oil on it can be put in your green bin or home compost bin.

Household recycling centre

Larger amounts of oil can be allowed to cool, poured into a bottle and take to a Household Recycling Centre where it can be poured into a recycling tank to generate energy. 

Black bin

Synthetic/plastic corks need to be put into your main black bin.

Reuse

Real corks can be put onto your own compost heap.

• Buy a compost bin or get free soil conditioner

Green bin

You can put real corks straight into the green bin. Please remember you can wrap food waste in newspaper or put it in a paper bag. Please do not use biobags or corn starch bags. These do not break down quickly enough and reduce the quality of the compost made. Your bin could also be refused collection. More information on how the compost is made can be found on RECAP’s website. You can find out your bin collection days on our bin collection day page

Reduce waste

You can buy washable make-up remover pads which can be used over and over again.

Black bin

Do not flush down the toilet. Choose biodegradable ear buds (with a cardboard stick instead of plastic) which will break down.

Black bin items go through a mechanical and biological sorting process before going to landfill. Find out more on RECAP’s website. You can find out your bin collection days on our bin collection day page.

Black bin

These can’t be recycled in your blue bin, so if you can’t drop them off at a collection point please put them in your black bin.

Black bin

The plastic lid can be put in the blue bin but the tube itself is made of layers of plastic, foil and card and cannot be recycled. It is possible to remove the metal bottom of the tube with a tin opener, the metal can then be put in your blue bin.

Reuse

If in good condition, donate to a charity shop (check what toys they are able to accept first) or pass on via networks such as Freegle or Gumtree. New toys with tags can be accepted by Cambridge Women’s Aid.

If you have several, there are charities online who may accept donations of soft toys by post, to send to needy children in shelters, orphanages or war-torn areas e.g. The Teddy Trust

Check with your local church who may collect toys for families in need.

Black bin

Black bin items go through a mechanical and biological sorting process before going to landfill. Find out more on RECAP’s website. You can find out your bin collection days on our bin collection day page.

Reuse

Consider if this can be upcycled and used for another purpose at home, pass on to a friend or family, sell or give away via networks such as Freegle or Gumtree, or donate to charity.

Local recycling points

Curtains can be accepted in most textile banks, which are located around the city at various recycling points.

Household recycling centre

Take the textiles to one of the household recycling centres near Milton and Thriplow.

Reuse

If in good condition, donate to a charity shop or pass on via networks such as Freegle or Gumtree.

Household recycling centre

Do not put cutlery in your blue bin. Take it to one of the household recycling centres near Milton and Thriplow.

Reduce waste

Check use-by dates and freeze dairy if you are not going to be able to use it in time (check packaging to ensure it has not already been frozen). You can freeze up to the use-by date.

For more inspiration go to www.lovefoodhatewaste.com

Green bin

You can put things straight into the green bin. You can wrap food waste in newspaper or put it in a paper bag. Please do not use biodegradable 'plastic' or corn starch bags. These do not break down quickly enough and result in extra processing costs. Your bin could also be refused collection. More information on how the compost is made can be found on the Recap website. You can find out your bin collection days on our bin collection day page

Green bin

You can put things straight into the green bin. You can wrap food waste in newspaper or put it in a paper bag. Please do not use biobags or corn starch bags. These do not break down quickly enough and reduce the quality of the compost made. Your bin could also be refused collection. More information on how the compost is made can be found on the Recap website. You can find out your bin collection days on our bin collection day page.

Green bin

Disposable wooden cutlery can be home composted or put in your green bin.

Black bin

Disposable plastic or biodegradable plastic cutlery cannot be recycled and must be put in your black bin.

Reduce waste

Disposable nappies cannot be recycled. Consider using reusable washable nappies - modern styles are easy to use and wash. For more information see www.goreal.org.uk 

Black bin

Black bin items go through a mechanical and biological sorting process before going to landfill. Find out more on RECAP’s website. You can find out your bin collection days on our bin collection day page.

Reuse

Consider if this can be upcycled and used for another purpose at home, pass on to a friend or family, sell or give away via networks such as Freegle or Gumtree, or donate to charity.

Household recycling centre

Take the door to one of the household recycling centres near Milton and Thriplow.

We also collect bulky goods for a fee – arrange a bulky waste collection.

Reuse

Straws are optional - ask for no straw next time you order a drink. Or if you like to have a straw, find a reusable one you really like and take it with you. If buying straws for a party, opt for paper ones.

Black bin

Please put disposable straws in your black bin.

Black bin

Always empty your vacuum cleaner into a bag before placing this into your black bin. It can be a plastic bin liner or a paper sack. Loose dust or ash can blow out of the bin when it is being emptied and cause eye injuries for bin collection staff.

Specialist recycling

Dunelm accepts clean duvets, pillows and cushions in their in-store textile take-back scheme. They also accept a wide range of other textiles including bath mats and curtains. The items are either re-used if suitable or recycled.

You cannot recycle duvets, pillows or cushions in ordinary textile banks.

Black bin

If you cannot take them to be recycled, you can put smaller duvets, pillows and cushions in your black bin for disposal.

Larger duvets might not fit, or they might jam in the bin and not fall out when it is emptied.

Household recycling centre

If you do not have enough space in your black bin, you can take your duvets, pillows or cushions to the household recycling centres (‘tips’) at Milton and Thriplow.

Compost at home

Add to your home composter, if you have one.

Green bin

You can put things straight into the green bin. You can wrap food waste in newspaper or put it in a paper bag. Please do not use biodegradable 'plastic' or corn starch bags. These do not break down quickly enough and result in extra processing costs. Your bin could also be refused collection. More information on how the compost is made can be found on RECAP’s website. You can find out your bin collection days on our bin collection day page.

Household recycling centre

Take the cans to one of the household recycling centres near Milton and Thriplow.

Blue bin

You do not need to remove windows from envelopes, as they are sieved out during the pulping process.

Black bin

Black bin items go through a mechanical and biological sorting process before going to landfill. Find out more on RECAP’s website. You can find out your bin collection days on our bin collection day page.

Black bin

Please bag securely and put in black bin. Loose cat litter or dog poo can be hazardous to our crews when emptying the bin.

Do not put cat or dog faeces in your green bin as it can be hazardous during processing.

Reuse

Animal fat can be mixed with seeds to make bird feeders, you can find instructions on various websites, including the RSPB.

Green bin

Avoid pouring down the drain – it can cause blockages and problems for wastewater treatment facilities. Find out more on Anglian Water's website. Allow fat to solidify and put in your green bin. You can buy devices called ‘fat traps’ to help with this, which are small biodegradable pads made from coconut fibre. You use them to soak up fat, which then solidifies, and the pad can be put in your green bin. 

Reduce waste

Check use-by dates and freeze fish if you are not going to be able to use it in time (check packaging to ensure it has not already been frozen). You can freeze up to the use-by date.

Use up small amounts of fish in a kedgeree or other recipe – check Love Food Hate Waste for inspiration.

Green bin

All cooked and uncooked food waste, including fish, meat and bones can be put in your green bin.

You can put things straight into the green bin. You can wrap food waste in newspaper or put it in a paper bag. Please do not use biodegradable 'plastic' or corn starch bags. These do not break down quickly enough and result in extra processing costs. Your bin could also be refused collection. More information on how the soil improver is made can be found on RECAP’s website. You can find out your bin collection days on our bin collection day page

Household recycling centre

Take the lights to one of the household recycling centres near Milton and Thriplow.

These sites do not accept business waste.

Blue bin

Clean foil, including foil trays from takeaways or ready-meals can be put in your blue bin. If possible please save up small pieces of foil and scrunch into a tennis-ball sized ball before putting in the bin - this is because very small items can get lost throughout the sorting process, and this will help ensure they can be recycled effectively.

Black bin

If foil is just too dirty to wash (burnt-on greasy food etc) it is not suitable for recycling. Please put it in the black bin.

Reuse

Add raw vegetable peelings or fruit skins to your home compost heap, if you have one.

For inspiring ideas how to reduce food waste and save money, go to Love Food Hate Waste's website.

Green bin

All food waste can be put in your green bin, including cooked, raw, meat, fish, bones and dairy.

You can put things straight into the green bin. You can wrap food waste in newspaper or put it in a paper bag. Please do not use biodegradable 'plastic' or corn starch bags. These do not break down quickly enough and result in extra processing costs. Your bin could also be refused collection. More information on how the compost is made can be found on the Recap website. You can find out your bin collection days on our bin collection day page.

Reuse

If in good condition, sell, donate to a charity shop or pass on via networks such as Freegle or Gumtree.

Household recycling centre

Take the pans to one of the household recycling centres near Milton and Thriplow.

Reuse

If in good condition, sell, donate to a charity shop or pass on via networks such as Freegle or Gumtree.

Household recycling centre

Take the furniture to one of the household recycling centres near Milton and Thriplow.

We also collect bulky goods for a fee – arrange a bulky waste collection.

Compost at home

Some garden waste can be added to your home compost bin or heap. For more information, go to Recycle Now's website.

Green bin

More information on how the soil improver is made from your garden and food waste can be found on the Recap website. You can find out your bin collection days on our bin collection day page

Reuse

If in good condition sell or pass on via networks such as Freegle or Gumtree. 

Household recycling centre

Take the canisters to one of the household recycling centres near Milton and Thriplow.

Blue bin

All colours of glass bottles and jars can be put in your blue bin. Please rinse and replace the caps on the bottles - this helps stop the small caps falling out of the sorting process. They are separated from the glass when it is broken. You do not need to remove labels from the glass.

Materials from your blue bin are sorted and turned into new products. Please put things in the bin loose and not in bags. This helps us process it. You can find out more about processing by visiting RECAP’s website. You can find out your bin collection days on our bin collection day page.

Blue bin

Rinse and replace the lid on the jar before putting in the blue bin. You do not need to remove labels from the glass.

Materials from your blue bin are sorted and turned into new products. Please put things in the bin loose and not in bags. This helps us process it. You can find out more about processing by visiting RECAP’s website. You can find out your bin collection days on our bin collection day page.

Blue bin

All colours of empty glass bottles and jars can be put in your blue bin. No need to remove sprays and caps, they are separated from the glass when it is broken.

Materials from your blue bin are sorted and turned into new products. Please put things in the bin loose and not in bags. This helps us process it. You can find out more about processing by visiting RECAP’s website. You can find out your bin collection days on our bin collection day page.

Reduce waste

Prevent clothing waste. Making clothes uses a lot of resources, including water, fertiliser, pesticides and up to 10x more energy than the production of steel or glass.

• buy clothes that will last longer where possible
• bag a bargain with second-hand fashion
• mend or restyle 

Learn more about minimising the environmental impact of your clothes on the Love Your Clothes website.

Reuse

Donate to a charity shop or pass on via networks such as Freegle or Gumtree.

Local recycling points

Tie in plastic bags and drop off at a clothing bank, located at various recycling points around the district.

Household recycling centre

Take the textiles to one of the household recycling centres near Milton and Thriplow.

Reuse

Add to your home compost bin, if you have one. Grass cuttings are a great 'activator', helping your compost to heat up and rot down faster, but they need to be layered with other drier materials (e.g. prunings, shredded paper) so that they don't go sludgy.

Green bin

You can put things straight into the green bin. You can wrap food waste in newspaper or put it in a paper bag. Please do not use biobags or corn starch bags. These do not break down quickly enough and reduce the quality of the compost made. Your bin could also be refused collection. More information on how the compost is made can be found on RECAP’s website. You can find out your bin collection days on our bin collection day page.

Green bin

Check whether your greaseproof paper has a silicone coating. If it does not, you can add it to your home compost bin or your green bin. It is not suitable for recycling.

Black bin

If your greaseproof paper has a silicone coating, please dispose of it in your black bin. If you are not sure please put it in your black bin.

Blue bin

Materials from your blue bin are sorted and turned into new products. Please put things in the bin loose and not in bags. This helps us process it. You can find out more about processing by visiting RECAP’s website. You can find out your bin collection days on our bin collection calendar.

Reuse

If in good condition, donate to a charity shop or pass on via networks such as Freegle or Gumtree.

Local recycling points

Put in a textile or clothing bank in various car parks around the city, such as at supermarkets. 

Black bin

Black bin items go through a mechanical and biological sorting process before going to landfill. Find out more on RECAP’s website. You can find out your bin collection days on our bin collection day page.

Reuse

These hard MDF-type hard board punnets can not be recycled and are not suitable for green bins either. They can be useful as storage trays though – you could use them to organise your fridge or cupboards, or example.

Reuse

Green bin

You can put things straight into the green bin. You can wrap food waste in newspaper or put it in a paper bag. Please do not use biobags or corn starch bags. These do not break down quickly enough and reduce the quality of the compost made. Your bin could also be refused collection. More information on how the compost is made can be found on RECAP’s website. You can find out your bin collection days on our bin collection day page.

Household recycling centre

The county council’s household recycling centres accept small household fire extinguishers.

Blue bin

Ice cream tubs can be recycled along with all your other clean plastic pots, tubs and trays in your blue bin.

Materials from your blue bin are sorted and turned into new products. Please put things in the bin loose and not in bags. This helps us process it. You can find out more about processing by visiting RECAP’s website. You can find out your bin collection days on our bin collection day page.

Blue bin

Take empty inhalers to your local pharmacy. Some pharmacies are part of a specialist recycling scheme – those that are not will be able to safely dispose of them.

Reuse

If in good condition, donate to a charity shop or pass on via networks such as Freegle or Gumtree.

Black bin

Reuse

Keep and reuse, pass on to friends or family or offer on Freegle (those who sell things on internet auction sites will be glad of them!).

Black bin

These are usually a mixture of plastic and paper, or in the case of Amazon Prime envelopes a mixture of different plastics, and cannot be recycled.

Reduce waste

If you receive unsolicited addressed mail, you can opt out by using the Mailing Preference Service.

Blue bin

Materials from your blue bin are sorted and turned into new products. Please put things in the bin loose and not in bags. This helps us process it. You can find out more about processing by visiting RECAP’s website. You can find out your bin collection days on our bin collection day page.

Compost at home

If you have a worn out jute or cotton shopping bag and you’re confident it contains no plastic, you can add it to your compost bin or heap. It will take many months to break down.

Black bin

If you do not have a home compost bin or heap, put your worn-out bag in your black bin.

Clean cotton bags can be recycled with clothes in clothing collection banks.

Fabrics and jute are not accepted in green bins because they can jam the shredding machinery and take too long to compost.

Reuse

If in good condition, donate to a charity shop or pass on via networks such as Freegle or Gumtree.

Household recycling centre

Take the light to one of the household recycling centres near Milton and Thriplow.

We also collect bulky goods for a fee – arrange a bulky waste collection.

Reuse

If the item is in good condition, donate it to a charity shop. Check whether they want it before leaving it – some might want large electrical items, while others will not.

You could also pass it on to somebody else via networks such as Freegle or Gumtree.

If your large appliance has stopped working, get quotes from local repair services to fix it before you consider replacing it.

Household recycling centre

Take the appliance to one of the household recycling centres near Milton and Thriplow.

We also collect bulky goods for a fee – arrange a bulky waste collection. We do not remove large American-style fridge-freezers.

Black bin

Black bin items go through a mechanical and biological sorting process before going to landfill. Find out more on RECAP’s website. 

Reuse

If in good condition, donate to a charity shop (check if they accept them first) or pass on via networks such as Freegleor Gumtree.

Household recycling centre

Household Recycling Centres are near Milton and Thriplow. More information can be found on Cambridgeshire County Council’s website. We also collect bulky goods for a fee. You can find out the costs and book a collection on our bulky collections page.

Reuse

Add to your home compost bin if you have one.

Green bin

You can put things straight into the green bin. You can wrap food waste in newspaper or put it in a paper bag. Please do not use biodegradable or compostable 'plastic' bags. These do not break down quickly enough and reduce the quality of the compost made. Your bin could also be refused collection. More information on how the compost is made can be found on RECAP’s website. You can find out your bin collection days on our bin collection day page.

Reuse

Love your leftovers! An average family of four could save £60 a month just by using up food before it goes to waste. Find lots of recipe inspiration and practical tips at www.lovefoodhatewaste.com

Green bin

All cooked and uncooked food waste can go in your green bin.

You can put things straight into the green bin. You can wrap food waste in newspaper or put it in a paper bag. Please do not use biodegradable or compostable 'plastic' bags. These do not break down quickly enough and reduce the quality of the compost made. Your bin could also be refused collection. More information on how the compost is made can be found on RECAP’s website. You can find out your bin collection days on our bin collection day page.

Blue bin

Metal and plastic lids from jars and bottles can be put in your blue bin.

Although it sounds counter-intuitive, ideally please rinse (and squash if plastic) your bottles and jars, then put the lids back on. Because lids are small, this helps them to go through the sorting process without getting lost, before being separated from the glass later on.

You can find out more about processing by visiting RECAP’s website. 

You can find out your bin collection days on our bin collection day page.

Household recycling centre

Compact energy-saving light bulbs (not long fluorescent tubes) and LED bulbs can be recycled at some recycling points.

You can also take them to the household recycling centres near Milton and Thriplow, which can also accept long fluorescent tubes.

For fluorescent tubes from commercial premises, a company called Envirogreen recycles lamps. They charge for storage and collection.

Energy-saving light bulbs (including fluorescent tubes) contain small amounts of mercury, so care should be taken when disposing of them.

Black bin

Halogen bulbs and traditional incandescent bulbs do not contain mercury like compact fluorescent lamps (CFL's) and can be safely disposed of to landfill.

They should never be placed in glass recycling or mixed recycling bins, as they are a different type of glass from bottles and jars.

Reduce waste

You can avoid the need to dispose of liquid soap bottles by using solid bars of soap.

Blue bin

Put liquid soap bottles in your blue bin.

The dispenser pump contains a small metal spring that is not currently recyclable, so remove that first. You can recycle pumps in the TerraCycle Personal Care and Beauty Recycling Programme, or put them in your black bin.

Blue bin

Ordinary polythene or cellophane plastic magazine wrappers can be recycled in your blue bin. Compostable 'plastic' wrappers can not be recycled.

Black bin

Compostable 'plastic' magazine wrap (e.g. made from corn starch) does not break down quickly enough in the fast composting process used for green bin material. Please put it in your black bin.

Reuse

Donate to doctors or dentists surgeries, hairdressers, playgroups, schools or residential homes.

Blue bin

Materials from your blue bin are sorted and turned into new products. Please put things in the bin loose and not in bags. This helps us process it. You can find out more about processing by visiting RECAP’s website. You can find out your bin collection days on our bin collection day page.

Local recycling points

You can recycle paper at recycling points around the city, or take it to one of the household recycling centres near Milton and Thriplow.

Blue bin

Plastic bottles and pots, glass jars and flexible plastic (squeezy) tubes which do not contain a metallic layer can all be rinsed out and recycled in your blue bin.

Black bin

Flexible plastic tubes containing a metallic layer and flexible plastic or foil pouches can’t be recycled in your blue bin, so if you can’t drop them off at a collection point please put them in your black bin.

Blue bin

Please rinse and put in the blue bin with all your other clean plastic pots, tubs and trays.

Materials from your blue bin are sorted and turned into new products. Please put things in the bin loose and not in bags. This helps us process it. You can find out more about processing by visiting RECAP’s website. You can find out your bin collection days on our bin collection day page.

Green bin

You can put things straight into the green bin. You can wrap food waste in newspaper or put it in a paper bag. Please do not biodegradable 'plastic' or corn starch bags. These do not break down quickly enough and result in extra processing costs. Your bin could also be refused collection. More information on how the compost is made can be found on RECAP’s website.

Black bin

Please remove from the plastic tray and put in your black bin.

Reduce waste

Prevent medicine waste and lower NHS costs by only ordering what you need. Find more tips at Medicine Waste UK.

Blue bin

Please rinse and crush. Beer cans with widgets are accepted.

Materials from your blue bin are sorted and turned into new products. Please put things in the bin loose and not in bags. This helps us process it. You can find out more about processing by visiting RECAP’s website. You can find out your bin collection days on our bin collection day page.

Blue bin

Materials from your blue bin are sorted and turned into new products. Please put things in the bin loose and not in bags. This helps us process it. You can find out more about processing by visiting RECAP’s website. You can find out your bin collection days on our bin collection day page.

Black bin

Mirror glass can not be recycled with container glass (bottles and jars). Small amounts can be put in your black bin.

Household recycling centre

Take the glass to one of the household recycling centres near Milton and Thriplow.

We also collect bulky goods for a fee – arrange a bulky waste collection.

Household recycling centre

Take the mop to one of the household recycling centres near Milton and Thriplow.

Black bin

Black bin items go through a mechanical and biological sorting process before going to landfill. Find out more on the Recap website. You can find out your bin collection days on our bin collection day page. Please note that bin lids must be properly closed.

Household recycling centre

Contact a local garage or take it to one of the household recycling centres near Milton and Thriplow.

Never pour used engine oil down the drain. It will cause pollution and it is also an offence. Engine oil is classed as a hazardous waste and must be disposed of properly. If you spill engine oil, use sand or earth to absorb it – never hose it down.

Avoid mixing used engine oil with other materials as this makes it difficult to separate and recycle.

Reuse

Used orchestral instruments – strings, woodwind, brass and percussion can be donated to children via Sistema England. Otherwise, if in good condition, ask if your local school would like it, donate to a charity shop or pass on via networks such as Freegle or Gumtree.

Black bin

It is difficult to remove the varnish and the bottles are too small to be captured during the recycling process.

Reuse

Newspaper can be used for wrapping food waste to go in your green bin, and for lining a kitchen caddy if you have one. 

Blue bin

Materials from your blue bin are sorted and turned into new products. Please put things in the bin loose and not in bags. This helps us process it. You can find out more about processing by visiting RECAP’s website. You can find out your bin collection days on our bin collection day page.

Compost at home

Dissolvable or compostable packing chips can be added to a home compost bin. Make sure they are not polystyrene first!

Household recycling centre

Take the paint to one of the household recycling centres near Milton and Thriplow.

It will be sorted and distributed to charities, community groups or individuals who need it by the Community RePaint scheme.

Blue bin

Materials from your blue bin are sorted and turned into new products. Please put things in the bin loose and not in bags. This helps us process it. You can find out more about processing by visiting RECAP’s website. You can find out your bin collection days on our bin collection day page.

Black bin

Paper cups, even those with a recycle mark, can not be put in the blue bin – they are not easily recyclable unless collected as part of a dedicated scheme (see above).

Compostable paper cups (such as Vegware or Edenware) have a layer of compostable ‘plastic’ which makes them unsuitable for putting in the green bin. Compostable plastic can take up to 12 weeks to break down, whereas the process we use takes 6 to 8 weeks.

Compostable cups put into the black bin will have a chance to break down during the biological process they are put through before landfilling.

Green bin

Paper towels or kitchen roll (but not wet wipes) can be put in your green bin. Please do not put them in your blue bin as the paper is low quality and not suitable for recycling, as well as usually being wet or dirty.

Local recycling points

You can recycle pens – including highlighters, markers, and correction fluid pots – via the TerraCycle Writing Instruments Recycling Programme. Wooden pencils and crayons are not accepted.

Black bin

These type of pouches are made from layers of plastic and aluminium which are very difficult to separate out, and therefore they can not be recycled at the moment. Please put in the black bin.

Black bin items go through a mechanical and biological sorting process before going to landfill. Find out more on RECAP’s website.

Black bin

Photos are made from various different kinds of plastic or coated paper, and can not be recycled.

Blue bin

It's important that cardboard for recycling is fairly clean and dry. Remove any food, and tear off any parts which are greasy (the greasy cardboard can be put in your green bin for composting).

Green bin

Please put any cheesy or greasy parts of your pizza box in your green bin.

Black bin

If you do not have a green bin and your pizza box has a lot of grease or food on it, it's best to put it in your black bin rather than your blue bin.

Blue bin

Empty drinks, shampoo and detergent bottles, if needed please rinse, squash and put lids back on. 

Materials from your blue bin are sorted and turned into new products. Please put things in the bin loose and not in bags. This helps us process it. You can find out more about processing by visiting RECAP’s website. You can find out your bin collection days on our bin collection day page.

Reuse

If you don't have a use for plastic bags yourself, some charity shops and small independent shops will be grateful for them.

Blue bin

Put empty bags in your blue bin. Please do not use bags to contain other items - it means we can't see the items inside properly to check they are accepted, and we may not empty your bin.

Never put plastic bags in your green bin.

Materials from your blue bin are sorted and turned into new products. You can find out more about processing by visiting RECAP’s website.

Blue bin

Recycle with other pots, tubs and trays in your blue bin.

Blue bin

Materials from your blue bin are sorted and turned into new products. Please put empty things in the bin loose and not in bags. This helps us process it. You can find out more about processing by visiting RECAP’s website. You can find out your bin collection days on our bin collection day page.

Black bin

These can not be recycled at present.

Blue bin

You can recycle plastic punnets from fruit or vegetables and food trays from ready meals in your blue bin.

Remove soaker pads from meat or soft fruit trays and put them in your black bin. Plastic film and bubble wrap pads can go in your blue bin.

The sorting equipment at the recycling facility where we send items from blue bins cannot detect black items, but some sorting is done by hand so black plastic trays can be pulled out and recycled. This is an issue across the UK and work is being done to find a solution.

Blue bin

Rinse and recycle with other pots, tubs and trays in your blue bin.

Blue bin

Please make sure bottles are empty and rinsed out. Put loose in your bin, not in bags. This helps us process it. You can find out more about processing by visiting RECAP’s website. You can find out your bin collection days on our bin collection day page.

Blue bin

Clean, empty plastic bottles, pots, tubs, trays, bags, film and wrapping can be put in your blue bin.

If you are not sure if the item is plastic or is a mixture of plastic and paper or something else, put it in your black bin. Examples of acceptable items include:

• yoghurt pots, margarine tubs and fruit punnets
• trays from meat, vegetables or ready meals
• shampoo, fizzy drink, milk or cleaning spray bottles
• thin moulded plastic packaging from Easter eggs, toy packaging, packs of batteries etc

The following plastic films are accepted and will be recycled when markets are available.

General

• thin plastic peel-off lids of all types
• plastic kitchen towel, toilet roll, nappy pack, cotton wool, magazine wrappers
• plastic fruit and veg bags and wrappers

Bags

• Ordinary carrier bags
• Bread bags
• Multipack crisps outer bags
• Bags from:
  • Cereal and porridge
  • Dried goods – dried fruit, pasta, rice, sugar, pulses, etc
  • Frozen foods and ice cubes

Wrappers and film

• Cling film
• Pizza wrapping film
• Bread product wrappers:
  • Croissants
  • Pancakes
  • Naan bread
  • Pitta bread
  • Fresh pasta
• Wrappers from:
  • Cheese, pastry, cakes
  • baby wipes, etc
• Flower wrappers

Due to market fluctuations it is not always possible to find recycling outlets for plastic films collected in the blue bins. Under these circumstances they will be used to generate energy instead.

Black bin

Very dirty items and those with food left inside should either be cleaned before recycling or put in the black bin.

Some examples of plastic packaging that cannot be recycled in the blue bin include:

• CD and DVD cases
• shiny metallic plastic pouches from pet food, coffee or drinks – you can take these to participating Co-Op stores
• crisp packets with a shiny foil coating on the inside – you can take these to participating Co-Op stores
• polystyrene foam cartons, for example, from takeaways
• moulded, protective polystyrene, for example from a new TV
• foam or sponge packaging, for example from a new computer
• multi-material wrappers, a mix of paper and plastic or paper and foil, for example some cheese wrappers or peel off lids on coffee jars

Reuse

Pass on to friends or family, give away via networks such as Freegle or Gumtree, donate to local allotments or charity gardening projects (check if they need them first), or take back to garden centres which have a collection/pick-up area for them.

Blue bin

You can recycle clean plastic plant pots that are not black and are smaller than about the size of an A3 piece of paper in your blue bin. Rinse off any soil or compost.

Household recycling centre

Take plastic pots larger than 5″ in diameter to one of the household recycling centres near Milton and Thriplow.

Black bin

Seedling trays, small pots (5 inch or less), very dirty pots and all black pots are not recyclable, please put in your black bin.

Unfortunately, recycling sorting equipment cannot detect the colour black and therefore black plastic items can not be recycled. This is an issue across the UK and work is being done to find a solution. Find out more about black plastic recyclability issues.

Reuse

If in good condition, donate to a charity shop or pass on via networks such as Freegle or Gumtree.

Household recycling centre

Take the bowl to one of the household recycling centres near Milton and Thriplow.

Black bin

If you can't get to a HRC, you can put it in your black bin. They can not be recycled in your blue bin.

Black bin

Black bin

Black bin items go through a mechanical and biological sorting process before going to landfill. Find out more on RECAP’s website. You can find out your bin collection days on our bin collection day page.

Reuse

Give to charity - ask your local charity shop or call a national charity to see if you can post to them.

Many charities collect postage stamps, where they can be sold in bulk. Cut around postage stamps and leave a good margin, do not steam off.

Blue bin

Materials from your blue bin are sorted and turned into new products. Please put things in the bin loose and not in bags. This helps us process it. You can find out more about processing by visiting RECAP’s website. You can find out your bin collection days on our bin collection day page.

Reduce waste

You may be able to return your printer cartridges to a shop or manufacturer to be refilled. Some stationers such as Ryman do this, as well as the Smart Cartridge Shop in Cambridge (01223 464100).

Specialist recycling

There are many charities which collect used cartridges, or organisations that collect on their behalf. Search 'recycle printer cartridges' online for various schemes which you can send your cartridges to Freepost.

Household recycling centre

Take the cartridges to one of the household recycling centres near Milton and Thriplow.

Black bin

Black bin items go through a mechanical and biological sorting process before going to landfill. Find out more on RECAP’s website. You can find out your bin collection days on our bin collection day page.

Reuse

If in good condition, donate to a charity shop or pass on via networks such as Freegle or Gumtree.

Specialist disposal

Broken Pyrex should never be put in a recycling bin or bank with other glass. It has a very high melting point, and will cause other glass that is with it to be wasted and result in problems for the glass recycling facility.

Reuse

Many different styles of washable pads are now available, as well as alternatives such as menstrual cups.

Black bin

Black bin items go through a mechanical and biological sorting process before going to landfill. Find out more on RECAP’s website. You can find out your bin collection days on our bin collection day page.

Reuse

If in good condition, donate to a charity shop or pass on via networks such as Freegle or Gumtree.

Blue bin

Cardboard type binders (not plastic-covered) can be dismantled by removing the metal rings. The cardboard part can then be put in the blue bin. The metal part can be taken with other scrap metals to a Household Recycling Centre, or put in the black bin.

Black bin

Plastic or plastic-coated binders not suitable for re-use should be put in the black bin.

Reuse

If in good condition, donate to charity or pass on via networks such as Freegle or Gumtree.

Black bin

Put small mats in your black bin. Take large rugs to one of the household recycling centres near Milton and Thriplow.

Reduce waste

Disposable sanitary pads and tampons cannot be recycled, so please consider reusable alternatives - many different styles of washable pads are now available, as well as alternatives such as menstrual cups.

Black bin

Disposable sanitary pads should be wrapped and put in your black bin.

Black bin items go through a mechanical and biological sorting process before going to landfill. Find out more on RECAP’s website. You can find out your bin collection days on our bin collection day page.

Green bin

Soiled sawdust or wood shavings from rabbit, guinea pig, hamster, gerbil cages can be put in your green bin. If you have large amounts please put in a paper bag, as the sawdust can blow out over the bin collectors when emptying the bin.

Reuse

For branded items check whether your school has a uniform swap or sell scheme, or pass on to other parents. Generic items can be donated to charity shops.

Local recycling points

Clothing (either in good condition or worn out) can be taken to clothing banks at recycling points around the city. Please tie in bags.

Household recycling centre

Take scissors to one of the household recycling centres near Milton and Thriplow.

Black bin

Black bin items go through a mechanical and biological sorting process before going to landfill. Find out more on RECAP’s website. You can find out your bin collection days on our bin collection day page.

Specialist disposal

An unwanted vehicle may be worth a small amount as scrap. See the local telephone directory for a list of scrap dealers. 

Alternatively visit Give a Car, who can collect the car for free and recycle it with any proceeds donated to the charity of your choice.

Abandoned vehicles can be reported to us.

Reuse

Scrapstores gather useful scrap materials to pass on to schools and community groups.

Otherwise, consider if it can be upcycled and used for another purpose at home, pass on to friends or family, give away or donate to charity. 

Household recycling centre

Take the metal to one of the household recycling centres near Milton and Thriplow.

We also collect bulky goods for a fee – arrange a bulky waste collection.

Reuse

Sewing machines can be repaired via local sewing-supplies shops.

Old treadle or hand-powered machines can be donated to Africa via Tools For Self Reliance - they can be taken to Mackays in Cambridge who act as a collection point, or you can contact them to find out if there are other volunteers collecting near you.

Treadle machines will usually be taken if not working, as they can be re-purposed into chic furniture.

If the item is in good condition, donate it to a charity shop – check whether they want it before leaving it.

You could also pass it on to somebody else via networks such as Freegle or Gumtree.

Household recycling centre

Take the item to one of the household recycling centres near Milton and Thriplow.

Reuse

If in good condition, donate to a charity shop or pass on via networks such as Freegle or Gumtree.

Local recycling points

Tie in bags to keep pairs together and put in clothing banks at recycling points around the city. Please tie in bags.

Household recycling centre

Take clothing and shoes to one of the household recycling centres near Milton and Thriplow.

Blue bin

Please put shredded paper in an old envelope or paper bag to prevent it blowing out when the bin is emptied and littering the street. Large quantities can be put in a transparent sack (available in supermarkets). 

Compost at home

Small amounts of shredded paper can be added to your home compost bin.

Reuse

Consider using rechargeable batteries. Modern rechargeable batteries hold their charge a lot longer than in the past, and can be charged more quickly.

Specialist recycling

Small portable household batteries (for example AA, AAA, C, D, button) can be put in a small tied plastic bag and placed loosely on the top of your blue, green or black bin lid for kerbside collection. Never put batteries in your bins as they get damaged and cause fires. On occasions when the battery container on the bin lorry is full, we cannot collect the batteries. If this is the case, please wait until the following week.

If you live in a flat or share large communal bins, there are over 50 battery collection points in Cambridge shops that sell batteries for example corner shops, supermarkets and electrical shops. You can find locations at Recycle Now.

Items that contain non-removable batteries should be recycled with small electrical appliances instead, with the exception of vapes (these can be recycled at Household Recycling Centres.

Local recycling points

There are recycling banks for batteries at eight of our public recycling points.

• Find a recycling point

Household recycling centre

Hand the alarm to a member of staff at one of the household recycling centres near Milton and Thriplow.

Black bin

Snack packets can’t be recycled in your blue bin. If you can’t drop them off at a collection point, put them in your black bin.

Household recycling centre

Take soil and stones to one of the household recycling centres near Milton and Thriplow. Do not put them in your bin, as they will make it too heavy

Small amounts of soil on the roots of plants are acceptable in your green bin. Soil and stones are not compostable and larger amounts can cause problems in the composting process.

Reuse

Unwanted spectacles can be sent to developing countries for reuse. Check with your local opticians and library as many have a collection point.

Reduce waste

Compostable alternatives exist made from loofah plants – these can be put in the green bin when worn out.

Wooden washing-up brushes are available, but the bristles are synthetic so they still need to be put in the black bin.

Black bin

Most sponges are synthetic, especially those used in the kitchen. For the avoidance of doubt, please do not put any sponges into your green bin. Natural sponges can be composted at home if you have a garden composter.

Reuse

If in good condition, donate spare rolls to a charity shop or pass on via networks such as Freegle or Gumtree.

Black bin

Although not recyclable itself, small amounts of sellotape do not need to be removed from paper or boxes before putting them in the blue bin. 

Whole rolls of un-useable sellotape should be put in the black bin.

Blue bin

Wrappers without a shiny foil layer can be put in your blue bin.

Please save up small pieces of foil and scrunch into a larger ball to aid recycling.

Black bin

If you can’t take wrappers or pouches with a shiny foil layer to a collection point, put them in your black bin.

Reuse

If in good condition, donate to a charity shop or pass on via networks such as Freegle or Gumtree.

Household recycling centre

Take the table to one of the household recycling centres near Milton and Thriplow.

We also collect bulky goods for a fee – arrange a bulky waste collection.

Reuse

Add to your home compost bin, if you have one. You can find out more on Recycle Now's composting webpage.

Green bin

You can put things straight into the green bin. You can wrap food waste in newspaper or put it in a paper bag. Please do not use biobags or corn starch bags. These do not break down quickly enough and reduce the quality of the compost made. Your bin could also be refused collection. More information on how the compost is made can be found on RECAP’s website.

Blue bin

Materials from your blue bin are sorted and turned into new products. Please put things in the bin loose and not in bags. This helps us process it. You can find out more about processing by visiting RECAP’s website. You can find out your bin collection days on our bin collection day page.

Reuse

Leftover unused tiles can be donated to some charity shops (check first) or passed on via networks such as Freegle or Gumtree.

Household recycling centre

Take the tiles to one of the household recycling centres near Milton and Thriplow.

We also collect bulky goods for a fee – arrange a bulky waste collection.

Reuse

Save and reuse any tissue paper. You can use it to wrap presents, or put some in the top of a gift bag to hide the gifts.

Green bin

You can put tissue paper in your green bin if it has no sticky tape or metallic decoration on it.

Black bin

Put any tissue paper with metallic decoration or sticky tape on it in the black bin.

Reduce waste

Using washable fabric handkerchiefs saves waste, and they are less likely than paper tissues to make your nose sore when you have a cold!

It can be tricky to find handkerchiefs offline, but larger department stores usually have them, or you can make your own from light cotton sheeting.

Green bin

Tissues are not suitable for recycling. Even if they were clean, the paper is too low-quality with fibres too short to be made into new paper. Tissues can go into your green bin to be composted.

Reuse

We would encourage you to re-use your toothbrush for cleaning shoes and getting in those hard to reach cleaning spots.

You can consider using bamboo toothbrushes.

Specialist recycling

Toothbrushes, toothbrush heads and interdental brushes can’t be recycled in your blue bin, but they are accepted along with other hard-to-recycle beauty and personal care packaging at Boots stores in their Recycle at Boots scheme. They can also be recycled in the Philips Dental Care Recycling Programme operated by TerraCycle.

Black bin

Black bin items go through a mechanical and biological sorting process before going to landfill. Find out more on RECAP’s website. You can find out your bin collection days on our bin collection day page.

Blue bin

Hard-plastic upright pump-style toothpaste tubes can be recycled in your blue bin. Please empty as much toothpaste as possible and leave the cap on.

Reuse

If in good condition, donate to a charity shop, Cambridge Women’s Aid or homeless shelter (check what they will accept first) or pass on via networks such as Freegle or Gumtree.

If in clean but worn condition check if animal shelters would like them for pet bedding.

Re-use worn out towels at home for wipes or rags.

Local recycling points

Clean, dry towels in any condition can be put in textile banks at recycling points.

Black bin

Dirty, oily or wet towels can not be re-used or recycled.

Reuse

If in good condition, pass on to friends or family, donate to a charity shop (check they accept them first) or pass on via networks such as Facebook, Freegle or Gumtree.

Household recycling centre

Some hard plastic toys can be recycled with hard plastics at Household Recycling Centres. Large broken toys that can not fit in your black bin can be disposed of here too. 

Black bin

Black bin items go through a mechanical and biological sorting process before going to landfill. Find out more on RECAP’s website. You can find out your bin collection days on our bin collection day page.

Reuse

Large useable pieces in good condition can be passed on via networks such as Freegle or Gumtree.

Black bin

Small pieces of treated wood (e.g. parts of varnished or stained furniture) can be put in your black bin. 

Household recycling centre

Take the wood to one of the household recycling centres near Milton and Thriplow. Do not put it in your green bin

We also collect bulky goods for a fee – arrange a bulky waste collection.

Blue bin

Leave triggers on your empty spray bottles and put them in your blue bin. They can be recycled along with bottle caps.

Materials from your blue bin are sorted and turned into new products. Please put things in the bin loose and not in bags. This helps us process it. You can find out more about processing by visiting RECAP’s website. You can find out your bin collection days on our bin collection day page.

Reuse

You can burn untreated wood in a woodburner or open fire after seasoning for a year. If you have a lot of wood from a fallen tree for example, and don't have a woodburner, consider passing on via  Freegle or Gumtree.

You could also make a wood pile in your garden as a wildlife habitat.

Green bin

Branches and pieces of bark up to the thickness of a broom handle can be accepted in the green bin. Larger pieces can be added if they are split first.

Sawn timber is not suitable for composting as it may have been pressure treated or contain nails.

Household recycling centre

Take branches thicker than a broom handle to one of the household recycling centres near Milton and Thriplow.

We also collect bulky goods for a fee – arrange a bulky waste collection.

Black bin

Black bin items go through a mechanical and biological sorting process before going to landfill. Find out more on RECAP’s website. You can find out your bin collection days on our bin collection day page. 

Reuse

Vacuum cleaners can often be repaired – it might be worth checking whether it is empty!

Check the Circular Cambridge directory for a list of repairers, or take it to a repair café.

If the item is in good condition, donate it to a charity shop – check whether they want it before leaving it.

You could also pass it on to somebody else via networks such as Freegle or Gumtree.

Household recycling centre

Take the item to one of the household recycling centres near Milton and Thriplow.

Reuse

Put in your home compost bin or heap, if you have one.

Green bin

You can put things straight into the green bin. You can wrap food waste in newspaper or put it in a paper bag. Please do not biodegradable 'plastic' or corn starch bags. These do not break down quickly enough and result in extra processing costs. Your bin could also be refused collection. More information on how the compost is made can be found on the Recap website. You can find out your bin collection days on our bin collection day page

Reuse

If in good condition, donate to a charity shop (check they are accepted first), sell or pass on via networks such as Freegle or Gumtree. Made from PVC, vinyl records are often 're-purposed' into new stylish ornaments, wall art or tableware - so even scratched records may be wanted by somebody.

Black bin

Vinyl records cannot be recycled. If broken, put in your black bin.

Reuse

Unused surplus rolls of wallpaper can be donated to some charities (check first) and Scrapstores, or reuse at home for children's artwork etc.

Black bin

Wallpaper not suitable for reuse should be put in the black bin.

Reuse

If in good condition, donate to a charity shop or pass on via networks such as Freegle or Gumtree.

Household recycling centre

Take the wardrobe to one of the household recycling centres near Milton and Thriplow.

We also collect bulky goods for a fee – arrange a bulky waste collection.

Reuse

Repair, or if in good condition, donate to a charity shop or pass on via networks such as Freegle or Gumtree.

Black bin

Black bin items go through a mechanical and biological sorting process before going to landfill. Find out more on RECAP’s website. You can find out your bin collection days on our bin collection day page.

Specialist recycling

Black bin

Black bin items go through a mechanical and biological sorting process before going to landfill. Find out more on RECAP’s website. You can find out your bin collection days on our bin collection day page.

Black bin

What we would think of as waxed paper is usually actually paper with a thin layer of plastic or cellophane.

Paper that is mixed with other materials cannot be recycled or composted. Put it in your black bin with general rubbish.

Reuse

Most weeds can be added to your home compost bin if you have one. However, avoid adding those which have seeded, as well as pernicious weeds like ground elder or bindweed, which will survive the low temperatures in your heap and will then be spread around your garden when you use the compost. For more home composting tips visit Garden Organic. To find out about how buy a compost bin or get a free soil conditioner mage from green bin contents, visit this page.

Green bin

With the exception of the pernicious Japanese knotweed and Hemlock, all weeds can be safely put in your green bin. The high temperatures the compost reaches during the municipal composting process will kill off any seeds.

To find out more about how waste is treated, visit RECAP's website.

Reuse

Donate it to a charity shop if not broken.

Black bin

Broken wine glasses, tumblers or other glass drinking vessels should be carefully bagged and put in your black bin.

Small fragments of broken bottles and jars should also be bagged and put in the black bin, unless they can be contained in another jar.

Reuse

Wipes are not recyclable, compostable or flushable, since they are made of a mix of paper and plastic fibres.

Consider using washable alternatives, there are various brands of washable baby wipes, and cotton dishcloths can be washed and reused for most other applications.

Black bin

Black bin items go through a mechanical and biological sorting process before going to landfill. Find out more on RECAP’s website. You can find out your bin collection days on our bin collection day page.

Compost at home

Wool packaging insulation such as from meat deliveries can be put in a home composter. It takes quite a long time to break down.

Reuse

Have a go at repairing your clothes. It's easier than you may think, and many techniques (e.g. Sashiko, a style of Japanese visible mending) are very fashionable.

Find out more at Love Your Clothes.

Blue bin

Clean worn out clothes are accepted at clothing banks located at various recycling points around the district. You can also use charity collection bags if you receive them through your letterbox.

Clothes not suitable for re-use are turned into rags, which can be used for cleaning machinery in factories, used as stuffing in furniture, or even insulation.

Black bin

If clothes are soiled or wet, please place them in your black bin.

Reuse

You can re-use wrapping paper and gift bags.

Blue bin

Materials from your blue bin are sorted and turned into new products. Please put things in the bin loose and not in bags. This helps us process it. You can find out more about processing by visiting RECAP’s website. You can find out your bin collection days on our bin collection day page.

Black bin

Metallic and plastic gift-wrap that you cannot re-use, need to be placed in your black bin as it can not be recycled.

Reuse

Re-use pieces of wrapping paper whenever possible.

Black bin

Do the scrunch test – if the wrapping paper springs back rather than staying scrunched, it is probably made of metallised plastic, and can not be recycled.

Heavily glittered paper should also not be recycled as the plastic glitter and glue cause problems with the recycling process.

Black bin

Black bin items go through a mechanical and biological sorting process before going to landfill. Find out more on RECAP’s website. You can find out your bin collection days on our bin collection day page.

Blue bin

Please rinse. Materials from your blue bin are sorted and turned into new products. Please put things in the bin loose and not in bags. This helps us process it. You can find out more about processing by visiting RECAP’s website. You can find out your bin collection days on our bin collection day page.